Spotlight on Petra Vanessie

I decided to do something very different and exciting on this blog. I decided to do a "Spotlight" feature on amazing up and coming designers and local talent that resides in this beautiful state of mine (whether it's chefs, fashion designers, interior designers, ceramic artists etc.). This way you get to discover the various talented people in our state, support the locally owned and brand and never utter the words of Perth and boring in the same sentence again.

SO ...having said all that... I'm very excited to introduce to you my first Spotlight feature on a very talented, bubbly and outrageously cute PR turned fashion designer Petra Vanessie. I've been a big fan of her work since I saw her stuff last year at the Perth Upmarket and if you've been reading SOS you would have seen glimpses of her stuff back in 2012 here and then more recently here.

Roll Call

My name is Petra Vanessie, the creative director and owner of Perth-based fashion label Petra Vanessie.

When did you start Petra Vanessie? How did you learn to design?

I started back in 2011 and I was working in Sydney at the time and I've always loved dresses and work has been a big part of my life so a lot of my designs have a corporate feel. At the time, I wanted to wear something that gave me a big boost of confidence and clothing make such a difference in doing that and perking you up. I wanted to dress differently, and something unique and quirky. I used to look around and go I like dress but I want to change that bit of it or change the colour or the design a little bit. Then when my contract ended I decided to take a break and take a year off and start it all. I self taught myself design and it was easy to start drawing and designing what I had in mind. In terms of sewing my grandma taught me the basics, as she used to be a dressmaker and was a big influence in how to find fabrics and even that vintage look. She gave me a lot of pattern books shes kept from the 50s, 60s and 70s and that's something that has come through in my designs.

 What do you hope to offer the ladies of Perth?

I want to give versatility and not just to go to work, but also something that is able to be worn on the weekend and for play. So when people buy my designs, they can incorporate into their wardrobe and take it out and wear it for all sorts of occasions. I wanted to give something that has colour and interesting detailing. I like details on everything, whether its pleats or something that is unique and different. I wanted to give something different so that when you walk down the street people will stop you, compliment and make you feel beautiful and something a little different, something for women.

Three words that describes Petra Vanessie
Fun-loving (you come into the character of the outfit), versatile and colourful.

Could you name a few influences on your aesthetics and your style?
I've always loved Cue and Veronica Maine, beautifully cut and tailored and beautifully finished. I have always loved Oscar De la Renta, really classical, feminine and colourful, beautiful things he's done every single year. I've always loved looking at Coco Chanel the simplicity of the lines and how clothes sort of fall and you can wear it easily for either for work or play and she you can tell from her designs that she had that in mind; clothes where women can move freely in.

What are you aims for your design career?

I'll like to have an online store first then I really want a shop front. But to be more of a collaboration, where I can also display the works of other designers and artists as there is so much talent, but not many opportunities to showcase the works. In the long term, I'll like to expand that sort of shopfront into a bit of a hub, where people can come and eat at the same time and to be able to do workshops of making a dress or learn how to make ceramics. A place where families can drop by and ladies can shop but can mingle and look at something else and during school holidays kids can come and play with ceramics. A place where there is constant buzz of activities showcasing the talents of a lot of artists. I'll also like to do events like high tea with a little fashion parade and just have fun.

Can you name three people that have influenced your personal style?

That's a good question actually. My grandma, will have to be one, taught me to just dress really classical, feminine and elegant. When I was living in Jakarta she would always be "no you shouldn't wear sandals with that dress you should wear proper shoes etc. and things should be tucked in" and she would always be running after me tucking shirts in. There is a stylist by the name of Meg Gill, who I've worked with and collaborate with for a lot of my events and she did the backstage for the fashion show at the Government House ballroom, she's taught me a lot about dressing simply but with effect. And the third person.. umm.. I can't really pinpoint anyone, because there have been so many people that have inspired me and have given me the style I like, but my grandma would have to be my biggest influence.

One interesting quirk about you?

I'm not sure if OCD counts as an interesting quirk.

Favourite kind of tea?

Lemongrass and ginger, all kinds of herbal teas but lemongrass and ginger would have to be my fave.

It's really yummy.

Favourite hangout place in Perth? Where would we find you on your days off?

You would find me on the little cafe strip in Maylands on Whatley Crescent, either at Mrs. S on the corner or Sherbet. On most days you'll find me at Sherbet. If I could, I'll probably set up an office there. There are so many choices of cake and I want one of every cake, and at one point I managed to keep up but then they keep coming up with different cakes so there is always more to try.

Sketch of yourself?

I'm not very good at drawing faces so the sketch of what I would wear would have to do.

I have this suit in my mind. It's a three quarters suit with a high waist skirt with a little seem at the front with buttons on it. I can imagine teaming that with little heels. Or a silk shirt with a bow and suspenders and a high waisted wide-legged pants and a of course heels.

To have a look at Petra's lookbook click here. 

You can keep up with what's new and where this up and coming designer is heading to join her facebook group here

TO MAKE THIS NEW FEATURE EVEN MORE EXCITING! and seriously I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS (and slightly envious!). Petra Vanessie is kindly giving ONE LUCKY reader of this blog, Sprinkling of Spice, a chance to win ONE item from her latest design. ANYTHING your little heart desire whether it be a new dress, or a new skirt or a blazer/coat/jacket. ONE PIECE OF HER DESIGN. 

All you have to do is:

1) like @sprinklespice on instagram and like Petra Vanessie on Facebook

2) Be available to collect your prize (in other words go shopping so you can claim your prize) at the Perth Upmarket on 8th September or make arrangements with Petra to see her at her studio in Ascot before 8th of September to see her works and make one of her design your own!

3) Comment on this post WITH YOU EMAIL ADDRESS when you have completed the above by August 27th  @ 5pm - email address in comment page is a requirement for me to put your name in the draw as it will be randomly drawn out of a hat/computer picked. 

**please note: privacy will be upheld email addresses will not be used as spam and will be solely used for contacting the winner of this competition.